U.S. patent application number 13/252133 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-05 for trip button mechanism of external handle for circuit breaker.
This patent application is currently assigned to LSIS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to KwangWon LEE.
Application Number | 20120080298 13/252133 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44719679 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120080298 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; KwangWon |
April 5, 2012 |
TRIP BUTTON MECHANISM OF EXTERNAL HANDLE FOR CIRCUIT BREAKER
Abstract
Provided is a trip button mechanism of an external handle for a
circuit breaker. The trip button mechanism includes a button
support, an externally operable trip button, and an elastic member.
The button support is disposed at an outer casing of the externally
operable handle and exposed through a penetration hole of the outer
casing. The externally operable trip button includes a handle
exposed through the penetration hole and a pusher in one piece with
the handle. The pusher is movable along the button support for
pushing a circuit breaker trip button. The elastic member applies a
force to the externally operable trip button in a direction
opposite to a direction in which the externally operable trip
button pushes the circuit breaker trip button. Therefore, the trip
button mechanism can be easily assembled to increase productivity
and decrease manufacturing costs, and the trip button mechanism can
be reliably operated.
Inventors: |
LEE; KwangWon; (Cheongju-si,
KR) |
Assignee: |
LSIS CO., LTD.
|
Family ID: |
44719679 |
Appl. No.: |
13/252133 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
200/332.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 83/04 20130101;
H01H 71/128 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
200/332.1 |
International
Class: |
H01H 3/02 20060101
H01H003/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 4, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0096507 |
Claims
1. A trip button mechanism of an externally operable handle for
operating a circuit breaker trip button of a circuit breaker, the
trip button mechanism comprising: a button support disposed at an
outer casing of the externally operable handle, the button support
being exposed through a penetration hole of the outer casing; an
externally operable trip button comprising a handle exposed through
the penetration hole and a pusher formed in one piece with the
handle, the pusher being movable along the button support for
selectively pushing the circuit breaker trip button; and an elastic
member applying an elastic force to the externally operable trip
button in a direction opposite to a direction in which the
externally operable trip button pushes the circuit breaker trip
button.
2. The trip button mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the
button support has a hollow polyhedron shape and two opposite sides
of the button support are opened for placing the externally
operable trip button and the elastic member.
3. The trip button mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the
elastic member is disposed in the button support, and the two
opened sides of the button support are closed by the externally
operable trip button.
4. The trip button mechanism according to claim 1, wherein both
ends of the elastic member are supported by the button support and
the externally operable trip button, respectively.
5. The trip button mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the
handle has a cross section smaller than that of the pusher.
6. The trip button mechanism according to claim 1, wherein at least
a part of the pusher is disposed outside the button support for
selectively pushing the circuit breaker trip button.
7. A trip button mechanism of an externally operable handle for
operating a circuit breaker trip button of a circuit breaker, the
trip button mechanism comprising: a button support disposed at an
outer casing of the externally operable handle, the button support
comprising an opening formed through at least portions of two
mutually facing sides of the button support; an externally operable
trip button disposed at the button support, the externally operable
trip button comprising a handle for a user and a pusher configured
to push the circuit breaker trip button, the handle and the pusher
being formed in one piece; and an elastic member applying an
elastic force to the externally operable trip button in a direction
opposite to a direction in which the pusher pushes the circuit
breaker trip button, wherein the externally operable trip button is
disposed in the button support, and a space is formed in the button
support, wherein the space communicates with an outside through the
opening of the button support and an penetration hole of the outer
casing.
8. The trip button mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the
handle is exposed through the penetration hole.
9. The trip button mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the
externally openable trip button and the elastic member are disposed
in the button support through the opening, and the opening of the
button support is closed by the pusher of the externally operable
trip button.
10. The trip button mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the
space comprises: a first space in which the handle is placed, the
first space communicating with an outside of the outer casing
through the penetration hole of the outer casing; and a second
space communicating with the first space in a vertical direction,
the second space communicating with an inside of the outer casing
through the opening of the button support, a portion of the pusher
being disposed in the second space.
11. The trip button mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the
first space has a cross sectional area smaller than that of the
second space.
12. A trip button mechanism of an externally operable handle for
operating a circuit breaker trip button of a circuit breaker, the
trip button mechanism comprising: a button support disposed at an
outer casing of the externally operable handle, the button support
comprising an opening formed through two mutually facing sides
thereof; an externally operable trip button disposed in the button
support for manipulating the circuit breaker trip button; and an
elastic member disposed in the button support for applying an
elastic force in a direction opposite to a direction in which the
externally operable trip button pushes the circuit breaker trip
button, wherein the externally operable trip button and the elastic
member are disposed in the button support through the opening, and
the opening of the button support is closed by the externally
operable trip button.
13. The trip button mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the
externally operable trip button comprises: a handle for a user; and
a pusher formed in one piece with the handled for pushing the
circuit breaker trip button.
14. The trip button mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the
handle is exposed through a penetration hole formed in the outer
casing.
15. The trip button mechanism according to claim 14, wherein a
stopping part is disposed between the handle and the pusher for
preventing the externally operable trip button from being separated
through the penetration hole.
16. The trip button mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the
pusher comprises: an extension part extending from a bottom surface
of the handle; and a pushing part extending from a lower end of the
extension part for pushing the circuit breaker trip button.
17. The trip button mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the
opening of the button support is closed by the extension part.
18. The trip button mechanism according to claim 16, wherein a
stopping part is disposed on an outer surface of the extension part
for regulating movement of the externally operable trip button by
selectively making contact with a side of the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119
and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0096507
(filed on Oct. 4, 2010), which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a trip button mechanism of
an external handle for a circuit breaker.
[0003] A circuit breaker may be disposed in a cabinet such as a
switchboard cabinet. In this case, an externally operable handle
may be attached to the outside of the cabinet to open or close the
circuit breaker.
[0004] Hereinafter, a related-art trip button mechanism of an
externally operable handle for a circuit breaker will be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a circuit breaker
(molded case circuit breaker) for three-phase alternating circuit
according to the related art; FIG. 2 is a perspective view
illustrating an externally operable handle assembly according to
the related art; FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an
assembled state of the externally operable handle assembly
according to the related art; FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating
the assembled state of the externally operable handle assembly
according to the related art; FIG. 5 is a perspective view
illustrating an assembly of a pushing plate, an elastic member, and
a trip button that is assembled to an outer casing of the
externally operable handle assembly according to the related art;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled structure of
the trip button of the externally operable handle according to the
related art; FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for explaining
a method for assembling the pushing plate, the elastic member, and
the trip button according to the related art; and FIG. 8 is an
enlarged view illustrating the pushing plate and a fitting
protrusion according to the related art.
[0006] First, referring to FIG. 1, a circuit breaker 10 includes a
casing 10a and a cover 10b. The casing 10a has a polyhedral shape
with an opened side. Components of the circuit breaker 10 are
disposed in the casing 10a. The cover 10b closes the opened side of
the casing 10a.
[0007] A manipulation handle 12 is disposed on the cover 10b for
opening or closing a circuit. The manipulation handle 12 can be
manually manipulated. A circuit breaker trip button 11 is disposed
on a side of the cover 10b. The circuit breaker trip button 11 is
provided for forcibly tripping the circuit breaker 10. A pair of
coupling screw holes 10b-1 is provided at each longitudinal end
side of the cover 10b for coupling an externally operable handle
assembly 20 (described later) to the cover 10b.
[0008] The externally operable handle assembly 20 includes an outer
casing 23, an externally operable handle 22, and an externally
operable trip button 30. The outer casing 23 forms the exterior of
the externally operable handle assembly 20. The externally operable
handle 22 is rotatably attached to a side of the outer casing 23.
The externally operable trip button 30 is disposed in a side of the
outer casing 23 in a manner such that the externally operable
handle assembly 20 can be pushed. For example, the externally
operable handle 22 may be connected to the manipulation handle 12
(refer to FIG. 1) through an interlocking device (not shown).
[0009] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the externally operable trip
button 30 may be connected to the circuit breaker trip button 11
(refer to FIG. 1) through components (described later). The circuit
breaker 10 can be forcibly tripped from the outside of a cabinet
such as a switchboard cabinet by using the externally operable trip
button 30.
[0010] A pair of screw connection extensions 24 is provided on each
longitudinal end surface of the outer casing 23. The screw
connection extensions 24 protrude from both end surfaces of the
outer casing 23 for coupling the outer casing 23 to the circuit
breaker 10.
[0011] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer casing 23 is fixed to
the cover 10b by coupling screws to the screw connection extensions
24. The outer casing 23 is disposed in the switchboard cabinet (not
shown) in a state where the externally operable handle 22 is
exposed to the outside of the switchboard cabinet.
[0012] Hereinafter, a structure, an assembling method, and
functions of the trip button mechanism of the externally operable
handle 22 for the circuit breaker 10 will be described in more
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013] Referring to FIG. 7, the trip button mechanism of the
externally operable handle 22 includes a button support 25, the
externally operable trip button 30, a pushing plate 40, and an
elastic member 50.
[0014] The button support 25 extends downward from the top surface
of the outer casing 23. The pushing plate 40, the elastic member
50, and the externally operable trip button 30 are disposed in the
button support 25. For this, the button support 25 includes: a
cylindrical hole extension portion 26 having a circular cross
section and extending downward from the top surface of the outer
casing 23; and a slit extension portion 27 extending downward from
the cylindrical hole extension portion 26. The slit extension
portion 27 is narrower than the cylindrical hole extension portion
26 so that the externally operable trip button 30 cannot pass
through the slit extension portion 27 but the pushing plate 40 can
pass through the slit extension portion 27.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 6, the externally operable trip button 30
has an approximately cylindrical shape. A cross-shaped connection
groove 31 is formed in the bottom surface of the externally
operable trip button 30 for connection with the pushing plate
40.
[0016] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, the pushing plate 40 may
be formed of a thin plate insertable in the slit extension portion
27 of the button support 25. The pushing plate 40 includes an upper
vertical plate portion 41, a middle oblique plate portion 42, and a
lower hook portion 43.
[0017] The upper vertical plate portion 41 is inserted through the
slit extension portion 27. A fitting protrusion 44 is provided on
the upper end of the upper vertical plate portion 41. The fitting
protrusion 44 is insertable in the connection groove 31 of the
externally operable trip button 30. The middle oblique plate
portion 42 extends from the lower end of the upper vertical plate
portion 41 at a predetermined angle. The lower hook portion 43
extends downward from the lower end of the middle oblique plate
portion 42. The circuit breaker trip button 11 is substantially
manipulated by the lower hook portion 43. The elastic member 50 is
disposed in the cylindrical hole extension portion 26. For example,
the elastic member 50 may be a coil spring.
[0018] A method for assembling the trip button mechanism of the
externally operable handle 22 for the circuit breaker 10 will now
be described according to the related art.
[0019] First, the elastic member 50 is inserted in the cylindrical
hole extension portion 26 extending downward from the top surface
of the outer casing 23. Next, the externally operable trip button
30 is inserted down to the cylindrical hole extension portion 26.
Next, the pushing plate 40 is moved upward to the slit extension
portion 27 to insert the upper vertical plate portion 41 in the
slit extension portion 27.
[0020] Then, the upper vertical plate portion 41 is inserted in the
connection groove 31. In this way, the pushing plate 40, the
elastic member 50, and the externally operable trip button 30 are
assembled.
[0021] An operation of the trip button mechanism of the externally
operable handle 22 for the circuit breaker 10 will now be described
according to the related art.
[0022] In the related art, a user may push the externally operable
trip button 30 to forcibly trip the circuit breaker 10 disposed in
the switch cabinet by using the trip button mechanism of the
externally operable handle 22. Then, the externally operable trip
button 30 is moved downward against the resilience of the elastic
member 50. As the externally operable trip button 30 is moved
downward, the pushing plate 40 connected to the externally operable
trip button 30 is also moved downward. Therefore, the lower hook
portion 43 presses the circuit breaker trip button 11. Then, an
internal opening/closing mechanism (not shown) of the circuit
breaker 10 is switched to a trip position for interrupting a
circuit.
[0023] However, as described above, the related-art trip button
mechanism of the externally operable handle 22 for the circuit
breaker 10 has the following limitations.
[0024] In the related art, when the trip button mechanism is
assembled or used, the pushing plate 40 and the externally operable
trip button 30 may be separated due to the resilience of the
elastic member 50 disposed between the pushing plate 40 and the
externally operable trip button 30.
[0025] Moreover, the externally operable handle 22 is constituted
by many components such as the button support 25, the externally
operable trip button 30, the pushing plate 40, and the elastic
member 50. This may increase manufacturing costs and decrease
assembling efficiency.
SUMMARY
[0026] Embodiments provide a trip button mechanism of an externally
operable handle for a circuit breaker. The trip button mechanism
has a simple structure so that the trip button mechanism can be
easily assembled and reliably operated.
[0027] In one embodiment, there is provided a trip button mechanism
of an externally operable handle for operating a circuit breaker
trip button of a circuit breaker, the trip button mechanism
including: a button support disposed at an outer casing of the
externally operable handle, the button support being exposed
through a penetration hole of the outer casing; an externally
operable trip button including a handle exposed through the
penetration hole and a pusher formed in one piece with the handle,
the pusher being movable along the button support for selectively
pushing the circuit breaker trip button; and an elastic member
applying an elastic force to the externally operable trip button in
a direction opposite to a direction in which the externally
operable trip button pushes the circuit breaker trip button.
[0028] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a circuit breaker
(molded case circuit breaker) for three-phase alternating circuit
according to the related art.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an externally
operable handle assembly according to the related art.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state
of the externally operable handle assembly according to the related
art.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the assembled state of
the externally operable handle assembly according to the related
art.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly of a
pushing plate, an elastic member, and a trip button that is
assembled to an outer casing of the externally operable handle
assembly according to the related art.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled
structure of the trip button of the externally operable handle
according to the related art.
[0035] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a
method for assembling the pushing plate, the elastic member, and
the trip button according to the related art.
[0036] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view illustrating the pushing plate
and a fitting protrusion according to the related art.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state
of a trip button mechanism of an externally operable handle for a
circuit breaker according to an embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a main
part of an outer casing according to an embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the main part of
the outer casing according to an embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an externally
operable trip button according to an embodiment.
[0041] FIGS. 13 to 15 are perspective view for explaining a method
for assembling the trip button mechanism according to an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0042] A trip button mechanism of an externally operable handle for
a circuit breaker will now be described in detail according to
exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0043] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state
of a trip button mechanism of an externally operable handle for a
circuit breaker according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a bottom
perspective view illustrating a main part of an outer casing
according to an embodiment; FIG. 11 is a perspective view
illustrating the main part of the outer casing according to an
embodiment; and FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an
externally operable trip button according to an embodiment.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 9, an outer casing 210 forms the exterior
of an externally operable handle assembly 200. The externally
operable handle assembly 200 includes a trip button mechanism for
manipulating the circuit breaker trip button 11 (refer to FIG. 1)
from the outside of the externally operable handle assembly 200.
The trip button mechanism of the embodiment includes a button
support 220, an externally operable trip button 230, and an elastic
member 240.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the button support 220 extends
downward from a top surface 211 of the outer casing 210 to an
inside region of the outer casing 210. The button support 220 may
have a hollow polyhedron shape. In the current embodiment, the
button support 220 has an approximately hollow rectangular cylinder
shape. However, the shape of the button support 220 is not limited
thereto. The button support 220 supports the externally operable
trip button 230 in a state where the externally operable trip
button 230 is vertically movable.
[0046] A top surface of the button support 220 communicates with a
penetration hole 212 formed in the top surface 211 of the outer
casing 210. An opening 221 is formed through two opposite surfaces
of the button support 220. The externally operable trip button 230
and the elastic member 240 are disposed in the opening 221.
[0047] First and second spaces 223 and 225 are formed in the button
support 220. The first and second spaces 223 and 225 are vertically
arranged and communicate with each other. In more detail, the first
space 223 communicates with the outside of the outer casing 210
through the penetration hole 212. The first space 223 may have the
same shape and size as those of the penetration hole 212. A part
(handle 231) of the externally operable trip button 230 is disposed
in the first space 223. The handle 231 will be described later. The
upper end of the second space 225 communicates with the lower end
of the first space 223. Both sides of the second space 225
communicate with the inside of the outer casing 210 through the
opening 221. The other part (pusher 233) of the externally operable
trip button 230 and the elastic member 240 are disposed in the
second space 225. The pusher 233 will be described later. In the
current embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first space 223
is smaller than that of the second space 225.
[0048] The button support 220 further includes a first elastic
member supporting part 227. The first elastic member supporting
part 227 supports the lower end of the elastic member 240 disposed
in the second space 225. Substantially, the first elastic member
supporting part 227 is disposed in the button support 220 at the
bottom of the second space 225.
[0049] The externally operable trip button 230 is vertically
movable in the button support 220. Referring to FIG. 12, the
externally operable trip button 230 includes the handle 231 and the
pusher 233. In the current embodiment, the handle 231 and the
pusher 233 are formed in one piece. A user may manipulate the
externally operable trip button 230 by pushing the handle 231. The
handle 231 is disposed in the first space 223. The top surface of
the handle 231 is exposed through the top surface 211 of the outer
casing 210. That is, the handle 231 is exposed through the
penetration hole 212 of the top surface 211. For example, the top
surface of the handle 231 may be level with or lower than the top
surface 211 of the outer casing 210. This structure may prevent the
handle 231 from being pushed against user's intention.
Alternatively, a portion of the handle 231 may protrude upward from
the top surface 211 of the outer casing 210 through the penetration
hole 212. The cross sectional area of the handle 231 may be equal
to or smaller than the cross sectional areas of the penetration
hole 212 and the first space 223.
[0050] A first stopping part 232 is provided at the lower end of
the handle 231. The first stopping part 232 regulates movement of
the externally operable trip button 230. Substantially, the first
stopping part 232 may prevent the handle 231 from being completely
separated from the outer casing 210 through the penetration hole
212. For this, the first stopping part 232 has a plate shape and is
greater than at least the cross sectional area of the penetration
hole 212 and the cross sectional area of the first space 223.
[0051] The circuit breaker trip button 11 is substantially pushed
by the pusher 233. For this, the pusher 233 is vertically movable
in the second space 225 along the button support 220. The pusher
233 includes extension parts 234, a pushing part 235, a second
elastic member supporting part 236, and second stopping parts
237.
[0052] The extension parts 234 extend downward from the handle 231.
That is, substantially, the extension parts 234 extend downward
from the lower end of the first stopping part 232. In the current
embodiment, the extension parts 234 are two in number and are
horizontally spaced from each other. Substantially, the extension
parts 234 close the opening 221. This prevents the elastic member
240 from being separated from the second space 225.
[0053] The pushing part 235 is provided on the lower end of any one
of the extension parts 234. he circuit breaker trip button 11 is
substantially pushed by the pushing part 235. he pushing part 235
is disposed outside the second space 225. In the current
embodiment, the pushing part 235 extends downward and is reverse
L-shaped. However, the shape of the pushing part 235 is not limited
thereto.
[0054] Substantially, the second stopping parts 237 regulate
movement of the pushing pusher 233. he second stopping parts 237
extend outward from outer surfaces of the extension parts 234.
Therefore, the second stopping parts 237 are disposed outside the
second space 225. If the externally operable trip button 230 is
moved upward along the button support 220, the second stopping
parts 237 is brought into contact with an upper end of the opening
221. In addition, the second stopping parts 237 function as
reinforcement parts for the extension parts 234. Therefore, the
second stopping parts 237 may also be referred to as reinforcement
parts.
[0055] The second elastic member supporting part 236 supports the
other end of the elastic member 240. The second elastic member
supporting part 236 extends downward from a lower surface of the
first stopping part 232. Therefore, when the externally operable
trip button 230 is disposed in the second space 225, the first and
second elastic member supporting parts 227 and 226 face each
other.
[0056] The pusher 233 further includes first and second
reinforcement parts 238 and 239. The first and second reinforcement
parts 238 and 239 increase the strength of the pusher 233. The
first and second reinforcement parts 238 and 239 may provided at
relatively weak portions. For example, the first and second
reinforcement parts 238 and 239 are provided at a connection
portion between the pushing part 235 and one of the extension parts
234 and a bent portion of the pushing part 235.
[0057] The elastic member 240 exerts an elastic force in a
direction opposite to a direction in which the externally operable
trip button 230 is moved to manipulate the circuit breaker trip
button 11. That is, the externally operable trip button 230 is
moved upward in the button support 220 by the resilience of the
elastic member 240. For example, the elastic member 240 may be a
coil spring. Both ends of the elastic member 240 are supported by
the button support 220 and the externally operable trip button 230.
In detail, both ends of the elastic member 240 are supported by the
first and second elastic member supporting parts 227 and 226.
[0058] Hereinafter, an explanation will be given of a method of
assembling the trip button mechanism of the externally operable
handle for the circuit breaker with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0059] FIGS. 13 to 15 are perspective view for explaining a method
for assembling the trip button mechanism according to an
embodiment.
[0060] First, the externally operable trip button 230 and the
elastic member 240 are coupled. In detail, the second elastic
member supporting part 236 is inserted in an end of the elastic
member 240.
[0061] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the externally operable trip
button 230 and the elastic member 240 are placed through the button
support 220. Substantially, the externally operable trip button 230
and the elastic member 240 are placed through the opening 221 and
make a predetermined angle with the button support 220. At this
time, portions of the externally operable trip button 230 (that is,
the handle 231 and the pushing part 235) are placed outside the
second space 225 through the opening 221. The other portion of the
externally operable trip button 230 is placed in the second space
225. In addition, the first elastic member supporting part 227 is
inserted in the other end of the elastic member 240 by moving the
externally operable trip button 230 and the elastic member 240.
[0062] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the externally operable trip
button 230 is moved in a direction where the elastic member 240 is
compressed. While the externally operable trip button 230 is moved
as described above, if the handle 231 becomes level with the opened
side of the button support 220, the externally operable trip button
230 is rotated so that the handle 231 can be placed in the second
space 225. For example, the handle 231 may be placed directly under
the first space 223.
[0063] Then, as shown in FIG. 15, if the externally operable trip
button 230 is released, the externally operable trip button 230 is
moved upward by the resilience of the elastic member 240. That is,
the handle 231 is moved upward in the first space 223. The handle
231 is moved upward until the first and second stopping parts 232
and 237 are brought into contact with the top surface of the second
space 225 or the upper end of the opening 221. Then, the top
surface of the handle 231 is exposed through the penetration hole
212.
[0064] When the externally operable trip button 230 is placed in
the button support 220, the opening 221 of the button support 220
is substantially closed by the extension parts 234 of the
externally operable trip button 230. Therefore, when the externally
operable trip button 230 is placed in the button support 220, the
elastic member 240 may not be separated from the button support
220.
[0065] An explanation will be given of an exemplary operation of
the trip button mechanism of the externally operable handle for the
circuit breaker according to an embodiment.
[0066] First, to forcibly trip the circuit breaker 10, the
externally operable trip button 230 (that is, the handle 231) is
pushed, and then the externally operable trip button 230 is moved
downward along the button support 220. At this time, the externally
operable trip button 230 is pushed against the resilience of the
elastic member 240.
[0067] As the externally operable trip button 230 is moved downward
along the button support 220, the circuit breaker trip button 11 is
pushed by the externally operable trip button 230 (that is, the
pusher 233). As the circuit breaker trip button 11 is pushed, the
internal opening/closing mechanism (not shown) of the circuit
breaker 10 is operated, and thus a movable contact (not shown) is
separated from a fixed contact (not shown). In this way, a circuit
is forcibly interrupted by forcible tripping.
[0068] As described above, the opening 221 of the button support
220 is closed by the extension parts 234 of the externally operable
trip button 230. Therefore, when a user manipulates the externally
operable trip button 230, the elastic member 240 may not be
separated from the button support 220.
[0069] As described above, in the trip button mechanism of the
embodiments, the handle for a user and the pusher for pushing the
circuit breaker trip button are formed in one piece. Therefore, the
trip button mechanism can be easily assembled and reliably
operated. In addition, since the trip button mechanism has fewer
components, the trip button mechanism can be manufactured with high
productivity and low costs.
[0070] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
[0071] In the above-described embodiments, the first and second
stopping parts 232 and 237 are used to regulate movement of the
externally operable trip button 230. However, only one of the first
and second stopping parts 232 and 237 may be used.
* * * * *